General Dental Hygiene And Dental Visits Article

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General Dental Hygiene and Dental Visits

The general rule is that you should have dental checkups twice a year. Sometimes, especially for people with particular problem areas such as gum disease or a genetic predisposition for plaque buildup or cavities, more frequent visits are advised.

Author: Paula Blackburn

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Is dental hygiene really an important part of general dentistry? If you doubt it, ask people who neglected their teeth for years, or who live in countries where basic dental services are scarce or unavailable. Their answers may convince you of its importance.

You have dental checkups to take care of problems that exist and to learn how to keep them from worsening, or other problems from developing. The goal of this page is to indicate the importance of regular checkups and what you can expect to happen.

How Often Are Checkups Needed?
If you feel any pain in your teeth or gums, or jaw pain, set up an appointment without delay.

What if My Teeth Feel Fine?
Just because you don’t feel any pain doesn’t mean decay isn’t taking place. By the time you can feel the pain from a decayed tooth, it has reached an advanced level. Your mouth is one area where the old adage holds true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Providing that ounce of prevention is what general dentistry is all about.

Role of the Dental Hygienist
Dental checkups usually start with the dental hygienist, who does the following:
• Gives an initial exam
• Documents changes in health since last visit
• Cleans and polishes teeth
• Advises you on caring for your teeth and gums
• Answers questions about home care products (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)

What Will the Dentist Do?
The dentist’s tasks include:
• Reviewing your dental and overall health since the last visit
• Asking about any medications you are taking, or changes in medications
• Examining your teeth, mouth, and gums for signs of disease • Reviewing the work of the hygienist
• Deciding if X-rays are necessary
• Taking notes, on charts or on a computer, for future reference • Diagnosing any oral health problems
• Making treatment recommendations, including referrals or more tests if needed

How Can I Help?
Especially for new patients, you may have to fill out a medical questionnaire. In any case, you should bring a list of all medications you are taking. The dentist needs to know about any health issues you may be facing. Research is providing more evidence that bacteria from the mouth can enter diseased gums and be transmitted by the bloodstream throughout the body, sometimes causing severe illnesses. Some medicines may influence the dentist’s choice of anesthesia or treatment.

Be prepared to tell your dentist about any signs of problems, such as sensitive teeth. If you are nervous, don’t bluff: your dentist and staff are trained in putting patients at ease.

About Author

If you live in or near San Ramon and want to see a dentist for a checkup, you are encouraged to visit the website of Sean Anderson, D.D.S., to find out more about a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation.

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General Dental Hygiene and Dental Visits